House committee investigates reward money for police in drug killings

The House Quad Committee aims to investigate the possible sources of reward money for police officers involved in drug-related killings during President Duterte's term.

Rep. Dan Fernandez stated that there were significant fluctuations in intelligence fund usage, particularly around 2016 when Duterte took office, suggesting a link between increased spending and anti-drug operations.

Former Police Colonel Royina Garma testified about the 'Davao model' reward system initiated by Duterte, where police officers received sums ranging from P20,000 to P1 million for drug-related killings.

The committee seeks to clarify if these funds were indeed from intelligence funds or other sources such as confidential funds of the Office of the President or the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Rep. Robert Ace Barbers asserts that the audit will determine if allegations made against government officials are true, and they will also look into potential non-governmental sources like POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators).